NFA to Train More Fisheries Stakeholders In Sea Safety Procedures

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) will be upskilling more fisheries stakeholders through training intended to improve safety on the job.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gavin Bellamy, says the training will be done in partnership with the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. “We will be repeating the training again this year with approximately another 35 to 40 persons, in both dive techniques and safety at sea, first aid and navigation,” he told JIS News.

Persons will also be trained in the use of safety equipment, such as life jackets, Global Positioning System (GPS) and compasses, as well as receive certification from the CMU.

Dr. Bellamy reiterated the importance of equipping stakeholders with the skills to keep them safe.

“This training is important to making sure that there are less persons lost at sea and less persons in distress at sea. So far, 47 persons have been trained in safety at sea, boat handling and navigation and safe dive practices, between two training cohorts between CMU and the UWI,” he said.

Due to the high number of mishaps at sea, the NFA began training fisherfolk in safe sea practices.

The Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the CMU and UWI to facilitate sessions.

For more information on how to access sessions, locations and schedule, persons can contact the NFA at 876-948-9014.